Preston Park West

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Homeowners,

Can you believe that 2012 is almost here? It has been an exciting year and I hope that each of you have a very Happy New Year. I would like to ask that each of you remember that fireworks can be a hazard to your community, neighbors, and are not legal in all counties. If you do use fireworks, please be sure to pick up all the remains and keep them away from your neighbors or their homes.

Also, please remember that assessment payments are due on the first of the month. If you have not set up automatic payments, this year may be the time to consider that. This allows you to assure that your payments are always made on time to avoid any late fees. You may do this at www.cmgcharleston.com.

Again, I hope that each of you have a Happy New Year and a safe holiday!

Respectfully,

Lyssa Ross Watson
Community Manager

Happy Holidays and Updates

2011-12-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hi Homeowners,

A few of the ladies in your community spent time decorating the Preston Entrance Sign for the holidays and it was a beautiful sight. Shortly after, the landscapers removed the bushes that held the lights to place new lighting at the entrance to resolve the issue of a lack of visibility of the Preston entrance at night.

The decorations committee plan to reevaluate the lights and their placement for the holidays after the project is completed. The landscaping team and horticulturist feel that the low level plants are sufficient for this area and the bushes previously there would block the light and not allow 100% visibility. In the Spring, we will reevaluate the entrance to see if additional plants or flowers are needed to enhance the entrance sign.

As your manager, I want to wish you all a Happy Holiday and look forward to meeting more of you.

Respectfully,

Lyssa Ross Watson
Community Manager

Holiday Concerns

2011-11-17T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Homeowners,

We would like to remind each of you that this time of year we have been alerted of a higher rate of theft and some concerns in the Charleston area. Please be sure to lock up your homes at all times to protect your home and family, even when you are home. We have also been warned that many intruders will pose as a solicitor to find out if a home is empty. Instead of ignoring a “stranger” at your door, please be sure to call out to them and say you are not interested. This will cause the intruder to leave the premises. If you see any suspicious behavior, please call your local police immediately.

Happy Holidays,

Lyssa Ross Watson
Community Manager

Fountain Lights

2011-10-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

Preston Home owners,

We recently rewired the fountain lights at Preston due to ant destruction and would love to hear feedback if the lights are working at night. Please give me a call or my assistant, Constance at constance@cmgcharleston.com, if the lights are not working. Thank you.

Respectfully,

Lyssa Ross Watson
Community Manager

Association Fee Payments

2011-10-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

When making payments of your association fees by check, please make sure you make your check payable to your association and not CMG. Your mailing envelope should have the following:

Association Name
PO Box 912
Columbia, SC 29202

Mailing your fee to CMG may only make you payment late and additional fees may be added. Please remember that you should mail your payments a week prior to their due date to avoid mail or processing delays. To assure that your payments are on time, you can set up an automatic payment online on our website at www.cmgcharleston.com.

Respectfully,

Lyssa Ross Watson
Community Manager

Pet Waste Enforcement Reminder

2011-09-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

We have recently received some complaints on pet cleanup in the median at Preston. It seems that some pet owners are letting their dogs out late at night and not picking up after them. This is a violation of your bylaws.

We ask all residents to please have some consideration for your neighbors with respect to pets. All residents should always have their dogs leashed and waste from pets should be picked up and disposed of in a sanitary manner. We take every complaint seriously and violators will be fined. Thank you for your cooperation.

Respectfully,

Lyssa Ross Watson
Community Manager

Association Fees

2011-09-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

When making payments of your association fees by check, please make sure you make your check payable to your association and not CMG. Your mailing envelope should have the following:

Association Name
PO Box 912
Columbia, SC 29202

Mailing your fee to CMG may only make you payment late and additional fees may be added. If you are interested in making your payments online, please visit www.cmgcharleston.com.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your account, please call me at 843-795-8484 ext. 321

Thank you,

Lyssa Ross Watson

Mosquito Abatement

2011-08-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

With the recent rainfall and weather in Charleston, some of you may have noticed some issues with mosquitoes. For more information on Mosquito abatement, please contact Charleston County Mosquito Control 843-202-7880.

Lyssa Ross Watson
Community Manager

Hurricane Season Information

2011-08-03T05:50:00.000-07:00

The hurricane season is in full swing, so be sure to visit our website page www.CMGCharleston.com/storms.htm for information about storm preparation.

Lyssa Ross Watson
Community Manager

Hurricane Season

2011-07-28T07:43:00.001-07:00

We are in the midst of Hurricane Season. Please make sure you take a few minutes to review plans for evacuation if required. You can visit your website to find helpful hints in order to be prepared in case we have a storm. A few quick suggestions are -
1. Make sure you have immediate access to your insurance policy and your agent's contact information.
2. Make sure you have current photos of the interior of your unit.
3. Make sure you have up-to-date contact information in case of an emergency.
4. Secure your valuables.
5. Share your plans with family or a close friend.
6. Have a list of important numbers you would need in case of an emergency.
7. Make appropriate plans for your pets.

We all certainly hope we don't have a major storm but it's always best to be prepared. If we do have any type of emergency, we will have updates posted on the main number for the clubhouse. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at all and plan to stay safe!

Lock it or Lose it!

2011-07-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Mount Pleasant Police Department has implemented a lock it or lose it campaign for your area in an effort to reduce crimes of opportunity. We have seen an increase in vehicle break-ins and open garage burglaries in the recent weeks and we are requesting our residence assistance us in reducing crimes of opportunity. Our agency has and will continue to patrol these neighborhoods and look for residences that are possible targets. The officers have been instructed to contact the residence and educate them of the potential crimes issue. We are asking that all residents within these communities remove valuables from their vehicle and lock their vehicle. We have determined that most vehicle break-ins are unsecured vehicles. The Mount Pleasant Police Department is also requesting that residence close garage doors when not in use, because recent burglaries have indicated most garage doors were left open and became easy targets for criminals.

In closing, thank you for your corporation in this matter and if I can be of any further assistance feel free to contact me via E-mail at quick@townofmountpleasant.com, or call me at 843-884-4176

Lieutenant Donald Quick

Mount Pleasant Police Department

100 Ann Edwards Lane

Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Thank you,

Lyssa Ross

Pressure Washing

2011-06-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Pressure Washing will commence on July 14th and continue through July 15th. You will receive a notice regarding the day your building will be washed from the vendor. Please let us know if you experience any problems after the job has been completed. Thank you!

Pressure washing

2011-05-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

We have received pricing for pressure washing at Preston at Park West. We. will be scheduling this shortly. All homeowners will be sent notices via mail.

Pine straw/ fountain

2011-05-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

New pine straw should be installed next week at Preston.

The fountain is working again Yeah!!!

Pressure washing

2011-04-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

We are at the present time obtaining pricing for pressure washing at Preston at Park West. All homeowners will be notified of the date (s).

Park West Pool

2011-04-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

Recently I have received some questions concerning useage of the Park West pool. Residents should direct any questions abour pool useage and grill to the Park West Master Association. They can be reached at 843-884-8595.

Pet Smarts

2011-04-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

We have recently received some complaints on pet cleanup in the median at Preston.

The Scoop on Doggie Poop

Pet waste brings health concerns and owners may consult with local authorities on a solution for this. An excellent Post and Courier article is available here. Under certain circumstances, your Association can install pet waste stations in the common areas. Not all Associations have waste stations for financial reasons (they are costly to install and must be constantly maintained) or because there are limited common areas away from homes. Encourage your Board to budget Association funds to purchase and install these. There are some enforcement options at this link. We often joke that the Association cannot legislate common sense and neighborliness. Association-enforcement options are very limited unless an owner provides photos of the owner failing to clean up after their pet...

Please help us keep our community clean and safe.

Fire Sprinkler/Alarm Inspections

2011-03-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

We recently compeleted the fire sprinkler and alarm inspections at Preston. Execept for a few minor repairs, which are being made all went well.

Solicitors

2011-03-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

If you are having issues with solicitors and you report it to your local police department be aware that they will tell you that you will need to post a sign on your door even if there is a sign at the entrance of your community.

Fountain

2011-02-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

We are looking into either repairing of replacing the pond fountain. It should be back in place and functioning shortly.

The Preston Neighborhood

2011-02-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

Preston Neighborhood Organization
WHEN?
Monday, February 28th
7:00 P.M.
Park West Clubhouse
Questions or RSVP to:
Gwen (hatcherg54@gmail.com)
Jan (danjanbur@gmail.com)
We Need Your Ideas!
PLEASE JOIN US!
WHY?
An opportunity to get to know your neighbors in Preston
A group to plan neighborhood activities

Fire Sprinkler and Alarm Testing scheduled

2011-02-04T06:04:00.001-08:00

We have scheduled the yearly fire sprinkler test and alarm test on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 starting at 8:00AM. The tests will be all day. There will be no disruption of your water during these tests. Thank you, for your understanding in this important undertaking regarding your community.

News for Preston at Park West

2011-01-31T07:46:00.000-08:00

We are shortly approaching spring. We will be installing pine straw and flowers within Preston at Park West. Additionally, yearly termite inspections and pressure washing will be scheduled. As dates are available we will inform all homeowners.

Water Backflows and freezing

2011-01-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

As you may know during the winter months irrigation systems on your property are shut down to prevent damage from freezing. Backflows are meant to drip to prevent water from settling,freezing and cracking the pipes. These are not leaks and they should remain in a slow drip.

Preston your community

2011-01-03T10:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Homeowners and Residents:

As you are aware ther budget for Preston at Park West was just approved by the Board of Directors. As you must also be aware the monthly fee for the operation of Preston at Park West decreased substantially from 2010. This is no small task to have been able to accompish this within your budget. It should also be noted that no services were comprimised in the decrease of your fee. There was alot of work and preperation in competitive bidding of your goods and services. It also takes a knowledge of where pricing may go in the following year along with a history of expenses in past years.
We look forward in serving you in 2011 and we know it will be a complete success.

Salvation Army Press Release

2010-12-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

Charleston, SC – (Monday November 8, 2010)

The Salvation Army is pleased to announce that The Hilton Focus Service Hotels of Charleston with seven locations in the Lowcountry will be participating with Debi’s Kids and The Salvation Army Angel Tree during the 2010 Holiday Season. They will be conducting toy and stuff the stocking drives as well as being an Angel Tree pick up and drop off location. Local residents, businesses and guests are encouraged to participate by picking up an Angel or dropping off a toy at the Hotel.

One of these locations is the Hampton Inn & Suites North Charleston University Blvd., located just off University Blvd. (Hwy 78) across from Wannamaker County Park. Our physical address is 2688 Fernwood Drive, North Charleston, SC 26406.

“We are very pleased to be participating in this year’s Adopt an Angel Program to help those in need this Holiday Season. So please be sure to stop by and pick up an Angel Tree Tag from our Tree here in the hotel lobby or you can call us at 843-735-7500.”
Thank you for your help in making this Holiday Season a little brighter for someone very special.

The Salvation Army has promised over 4600 Angels that live in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester County this year. These are children 12 and under whose parents have come to The Salvation Army and Debi’s Kids, applying and showing that they are in need of assistance during the holiday season. Toys, clothes, shoes, books, a stuffed animal and toy is what will be provided for each of the angels. Through the generosity of those in our community including individuals, churches, organizations and businesses the goal to provide for all these children can be met.

If you would like more information or details please go to:

The Salvation Army – Charleston
www.lowcountryangels.com
or please contact:
Kiki Cooper, Director of Development and Public Relations
843-747-5271 x 15, 843-830-774
kiki.cooper@uss.salvationarmy.org

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.

Association Fee Payments

2010-12-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

Holiday Crime Prevention

2010-11-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

A particular problem this time of year is theft from automobiles and residential burglaries. These are the most preventable crimes. If citizens remove the opportunity, the crime is less likely to occur, and some types cannot occur at all.

While Shopping or Going Out:
• Secure valuables out of sight in your trunk. BUT, Be aware that many cars now have fold-down seats or a remote trunk release inside the car. These conveniences make your trunk vulnerable to thieves willing to break a window.
• If at a mall or a shopping center, periodically go to the car and lock away purchases so they will not “disappear” when you put them down trying-on clothes or at the food court.
• Safeguard your purse, wallet, bank cards, and personal information. Identity thieves thrive in this environment.
• Keep close tabs on your children while shopping. With so many people it is easy for them to become lost. Make sure they know their full name, your full name, address, phone, and your cell or pager number to reach you if you get separated.
• Be aware of your surroundings going to your car, going into and out of your house, and while at the ATM.

At Home:
• Make sure to keep doors and windows locked.
• Turn on outside lights at night.
• Report persons or vehicles roaming your neighborhood, day or night so police may check them. They may be simply looking at Christmas lights, or they may be “casing” houses to burglarize.
• Place your tree where the gifts will be less visible from outside. Thieves like window-shopping through your windows.
• After Christmas, don’t put the empty boxes out on the curb. This makes it easy for burglars to decide which houses to burglarize (ie: new computers, TVs, electronics, video games…). Break down boxes and put them in the trash, making sure to save all paperwork. Also remember many electronic devices require original boxes for warranty repair.
• Immediately make an inventory listing the model and serial numbers of new items (and old ones if you haven’t already) and engrave personal markings on them

If Leaving Home (On a trip or just for a little while):
• Make it look like you are still there.
• Timers on exterior lights, interior lights, and TVs will help make it look like you are home. Don’t leave an answering machine message saying you are gone, in fact turning it off would be better.
• Double check all doors and windows, including second floor and basement. The doors should have dead-bolts; key locks for windows are also available.
• Have the neighbor pick up mail, papers, and ads, put out your trash can, and park in your driveway. Give them emergency and cell numbers to reach you.
• Call the police department to request a periodic residence check (“Keep-A-Check”) while you are away. (CPD Dispatch 577-7434)
• When you return, look around outside first. If you see any evidence of a break-in, do not go inside. Go to a neighbor’s house and call police. The burglars could still be inside.

While traveling: THINK SAFETY
• Before you leave, inspect the car for safety (lights, belts and hoses, fluids, wipers, tires-both wear and air – DON’T FORGET TRAILER LIGHTS).
• Pack expensive items in the trunk, or under coverings to keep them out of sight.
• Pack safely. Items stacked in the back of a van, wagon, or SUV will become 60mph missiles in a crash! They also block the driver’s view. Items secured to the roof greatly alter the vehicle’s handling in wind and emergency maneuvers.
• When you stop, take the keys and lock the doors. This applies all of the time, at home and away. An unlocked, running car invites a thief.
• Use a CLUB or other device when parking for the night or at shopping centers Keep doors locked while driving. It adds strength in a collision.
• Use seat-belts and child restraints properly.
• Be careful with bank, gas, and credit cards.
• Take regular rest breaks.
• Never send your children into restrooms alone.
• Store money in separate places to minimize loss or theft.
• Stay on roads you know and take maps, cell phones, and chargers, as well as safety items like blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, a jack, and a good spare tire.
• Drive carefully- better than those around you. You need to get there alive!

Have a wonderful holiday season. Remember, most crimes and accidents are preventable. Officers are working hard to locate and stop crime, but everyone must do their part to lower their risk.

Pine Straw and flowers

2010-11-08T05:03:00.000-08:00

We just added pine straw and flowers to all the beds. We hope you like it. It certainly adds to the beauty of your community.

Daylight Savings Time

2010-10-25T06:02:00.000-07:00

Please be aware that clocks must be turned back by 1 hour on Sunday, November 7, 2010

During his time as an American envoy to France, Benjamin Franklin, author of the proverb, "Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise", anonymously published a letter suggesting that Parisians economize on candles by rising earlier to use morning sunlight.[16] This 1784 satire proposed taxing shutters, rationing candles, and waking the public by ringing church bells and firing cannons at sunrise.[17] Franklin did not propose DST; like ancient Rome, 18th-century Europe did not keep precise schedules. However, this soon changed as rail and communication networks came to require a standardization of time unknown in Franklin's day.

Maintenance and Common Areas

2010-10-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Wooded areas, meadows, streams, and ponds are features that add value to our community. We’re fortunate to have some of these features because they enhance property values, increase aesthetic appeal, improve our environmental quality, eliminate noise and wind, and reduce our energy bills.
The responsibility to maintain our natural areas goes beyond the capabilities of our lawn care provider, so it’s up to us to properly maintain all our common ground—-landscaped and natural.
That’s why the association pays attention to water resources and quality, wildlife habitats, and species diversity. We believe that proper maintenance and management will benefit the local ecosystems and save the association money.
Remember, environmental stewardship begins at the community level.

We appeiciate your response

2010-09-27T05:53:00.000-07:00

I wish to thank all homeowners and residents for complying with the deed restrictions. You have helped your own community by doing so. We check the property at least once per week. So again a big thank you.

Sprinkler systems

2010-09-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

We will be conducting inspection and testing of the sprinkler systems at Preston at Park West. We will be maintaining an annual schedule on this system. I will advise when they are completed.

Updates

2010-08-31T05:56:00.000-07:00

The dead trees have been removed and replaced. A total of 12 trees were repaced including 8 Palmetto Palms. The contractor has given the HOA a one year warranty on the trees.

Various issues

2010-08-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

We are currently compiling a list of dead trees and bushes for replacement in the Fall.
Additionally, the developer has repaired a reataining wall on the property.

A big thank you for all residents to have complied with all the rules and regulations of your community.

Clean Your Air Conditioner Drain

2010-08-03T12:37:00.001-07:00

Clean Your Air Conditioner Drain Before it Leaks!

Air Conditioning Units produce one natural by product, Water! The method that this water is produced is just like the water that forms on the outside of a glass with ice in it. The warmer air from your home, meets the colder surface of the evaporator coil and naturally, condensation occurs. The bad part happens when you find the air conditioner drain line clogged and a water leak on the floor!

The water that comes from your AC Unit, runs down the sides of the coil and collects inside the condensate pan, eventually reaching the condensate drain and flowing off to the drain method your installer chose. When the condensation drain becomes gummed up or plugged, that same innocent water can back up and leak, and can literally ruin your life!

Cleaning Your AC Condensate Pan and Drain Line
Face it, if you are not going to have a service company come out and service your air conditioner every season, you are going to need to do a few things on your own. Fortunately, you can do this before an AC Water Leak happens!

According to the Tampa Handyman, one method he uses is to just grab his wet/dry vacuum, and use it to draw all the build up from your drain line, from the outside of the home, where it exits! While this will work for some, there are a few other methods to clean your AC Condensate Drain as well.

Gravity or Pumped AC Condensate Drains
In almost every instance, you will have either:

Gravity Condensate Drain, where the water flows from your evaporator coil drain pan, directly into a small PVC drain line, and either into a drain system, in or outside your home.

As you can see in the top picture, the installer of this condensate line took the time to install a few extra pieces of the PVC drain, to facilitate the cleaning of the drain lines. Yours may or may not have these caps in place, but if you end up having to cut into the piping system to clean it, (common on older systems) you can rebuild it with the cleanouts in place! All pieces for the new drain can be picked up at a hardware store, for less than $10, or by clicking the links below.

Condensate Pump Drain System, where the water from your coil pan is piped into a small condensate pump, that automatically turns itself on and off as the water fills the collection tray.

In most cases, the PVC piping or clear plastic condensate hose, will fit directly into a hole on the top of the condensate pump, filling the reservoir. A second hose is then connected, to channel the water outside the home or into a drain system. Condensate pump systems are most commonly used in areas below the level of the homes drain.

Air Conditioner Condensate Pumps
Regardless of which system your AC system uses, almost all blockages occur in the small bend, called a trap. The trap system always holds a small amount of water, that is there to keep fumes and other objects from backing in to the system. Over time, gum builds up... the trap becomes clogged and you have a plugged ac line!

Cleaning Your AC Condensate Drain
The most common method of cleaning, is to gain access to your drain line... whether that is within a cleanout or from inside the evaporator coil drain pan, and simply flush the line with either compressed air or a water hose, forcing everything from the inside to outside. (Never flush water from outside the home, to the inside of the unit, a mess will occur!)

If you don't have access to an open end of the drain from inside, you may need to disconnect or cut the drain line to perform the cleaning.

This should be done at least once every year and more often in areas where you use air conditioning more than 6 months of the year! Doing so will prevent the AC drain from leaking water into the home!

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Tree Replacement

2010-08-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of conducting a survey of dead trees in your community. Once done we will get pricing and replace in the Fall. If you have any questions please contact me at sam@cmgcharleston.com

Landscaping

2010-07-21T05:32:00.001-07:00

Recently, Community Management Group hired a landscape specialist on our team. His name is Michael Farrazzano and will be invaluable to the communities we serve. He will not only identify trees and turf problems but also help monitor the grass cutting to assure that the contractor is complying with the contract.

Preston site visits

2010-07-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

I will be doing onsite inspections of Preston on a weekly basis. If you have any concerns or questions please conatct me at sam@cmgcharleston.com. You can also reach me at 843-795-8484 ext.#315.

Additionally, please take a look at Community Management Group website at www.cmgcharleston.com. There you will find inforamtion about your association including your legal documents, alond with other useful information.

Power Washing

2010-06-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Power washing of the building at Preston Park West will be completed the week of June 28, 2010. Letters are being sent and flyers palced at the doors. The company contracted by the Association is "The Pressures On". Please remember to remove anything that may be in the way of the powerwashing project.

Please visit Community Management Groups website at www.cmgcharleston.com. There you will find information about your community as well as other useful information.

Hurricanes!!! Are you ready?

2010-06-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
ARE YOU READY? 33
Hurricanes maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64
knots) or higher.
All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal
areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical
storms. Although rarely struck by
hurricanes, parts of the Southwest United
States and the Pacific Coast experience
heavy rains and floods each year from
hurricanes spawned off Mexico. The
Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June
to November with the peak season from
mid-August to late October.
Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage
to coastlines and several hundred
miles inland. Winds can exceed 155
miles-per-hour. Hurricanes and tropical
storms can also spawn tornadoes and
microbursts, create surge along the coast,
and cause extensive damage due to inland
flooding from trapped water.
Tornadoes most often occur in thunderstorms
embedded in rain bands well away
from the center of the hurricane; however,
they also occur near the eye-wall. Typically,
tornadoes produced by tropical cyclones
are relatively weak and short-lived
but still pose a threat.
A storm surge is a huge dome of water
pushed on-shore by hurricane and tropical
storm winds. Storm surges can reach 25
feet high and be 50-100 miles wide. Storm
tide is a combination of the storm surge
and the normal tide (i.e., a 15 foot storm
surge combined with a 2 foot normal high
tide over the mean sea level creates a 17
foot storm tide). These phenomena cause
severe erosion and extensive damage to
coastal areas.
Despite improved warnings and a decrease
in the loss of life, property damage continues
to rise because an increasing number
of people are living or vacationing near
coastlines. Those in hurricane-prone
areas need to be prepared for hurricanes
and tropical storms.
A hurricane is a type of tropical
cyclone, the generic term for a low
pressure system that generally
forms in the tropics. The ingredients for a
hurricane include a pre-existing weather
disturbance, warm tropical oceans, moisture,
and relatively light winds aloft. A
typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms,
and in the Northern Hemisphere,
a counterclockwise circulation of
winds near the earth’s surface. Tropical
cyclones are classified as follows:
Tropical Depression. An organized
system of clouds and thunderstorms
with a defined surface circulation and
maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33
knots) or less. Sustained winds are defined
as one-minute average wind measured at
about 33 ft (10 meters) above the surface.
Tropical Storm. An organized system
of strong thunderstorms with a defined
surface circulation and maximum sustained
winds of 39-73 mph (34-63 knots).
Hurricane. An intense tropical weather
system of strong thunderstorms with
a well-defined surface circulation and
34 ARE YOU READY?
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Hurricanes are classified into five categories
based on their wind speed, central
pressure and damage potential (see chart
below). Category Three and higher are considered
major hurricanes, though Category
One and Two are still extremely dangerous
and warrant your full attention.
Inland/freshwater flooding
from hurricanes
Hurricanes can produce widespread torrential
rains. Floods are the deadly and
destructive result. Excessive rain can also
trigger landslides or mud slides, especially
in mountainous regions. Flash flooding
can occur due to the intense rainfall.
Flooding on rivers and streams may persist
for several days or more after the storm.
The speed of the storm and the geography
beneath the storm are the primary factors
regarding the amount of rain produced.
Slow moving storms and tropical storms
moving into mountainous regions tend to
produce more rain.
Between 1970 and 1999, more people lost
their lives from freshwater flooding associated
with landfalling tropical cyclones
than from any other weather hazard related
to tropical cyclones.
See the “Floods” chapter for more specific
information on flood related emergencies.
What to do before
a hurricane
1. Know the difference between “Watches”
and “Warnings.”
• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch—
Hurricane/tropical storm conditions
are possible in the specified area,
usually within 36 hours.
• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning—
Hurricane/tropical storm conditions
are expected in the specified
area, usually within 24 hours.
• Short Term Watches and Warnings—
These warnings provide detailed information
on specific hurricane threats,
such as flash floods and tornadoes.
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
Scale Number Sustained Winds Damage Storm
(Category) (MPH) Surge
1 74-95 Minimal: Untied mobile homes,
vegetation and signs. 4-5 feet
2 96-110 Moderate: All mobile homes, roofs,
small crafts, flooding. 6-8 feet
3 111-130 Extensive: Small buildings, low-lying
roads cut off. 9-12 feet
4 131-155 Extreme: Roofs destroyed, trees
down, roads cut off, mobile homes
destroyed. Beach homes flooded. 13-18 feet
5 >155 Catastrophic: Most buildings
destroyed. Vegetation destroyed.
Major roads cut off. Homes flooded. >18 feet
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
ARE YOU READY? 35
2. Listen for local radio or television
weather forecasts. Purchase a NOAA
Weather Radio with battery backup
and a tone-alert feature that automatically
alerts you when a Watch or Warning
is issued (tone alert is not available
in some areas). Purchase a batterypowered
commercial radio and extra
batteries as well because information
on other events will be broadcast by
the media.
3. Ask your local emergency management
office about community evacuation
plans relating to your
neighborhood. Learn
evacuation routes. Determine
where you would
go and how you would
get there if you needed
to evacuate. Sometimes
alternate routes are desirable.
4. Talk to your household
about hurricane issues.
Create a household disaster
plan. Plan to meet at
a place away from your
residence in case you
are separated. Choose an out-of-town
contact for everyone to call to say they
are safe.
5. Determine the needs of your household
members who may live elsewhere
but need your help in a hurricane.
Consider the special needs of neighbors,
such as people that are disabled
or those with limited sight or vision
problems.
6. Prepare to survive on your own for at
least three days. Assemble a disaster
supply kit. Keep a stock of food and
extra drinking water. See the “Emergency
Planning and Disaster Supplies”
and “Evacuation” chapters for more
information.
7. Make plans to secure your property.
Permanent storm shutters offer the
best protection for windows. A second
option is to board up windows with
5/8" marine plywood, cut to fit and
ready to install. Tape does not prevent
windows from breaking.
8. Learn how to shut off utilities and
where gas pilots and water mains are
located.
9. Have your home inspected
for compliance with local
building codes. Many of the
roofs destroyed by hurricanes
were not constructed or retrofitted
according to building
codes. Installing straps or
additional clips to securely
fasten your roof to the frame
structure will substantially
reduce roof damage.
10. Be sure trees and shrubs
around your home are well
trimmed. Dead limbs or trees could
cause personal injury or property
damage. Clear loose and clogged rain
gutters and downspouts.
11. If you have a boat, determine where to
secure it in an emergency.
12. Consider flood insurance. Purchase
insurance well in advance—there is
a 30-day waiting period before flood
insurance takes effect.
13. Make a record of your personal property.
Take photographs or videotapes
of your belongings. Store these documents
in a safe place.
Create a
household
disaster plan.
Plan to meet your
family in case you
are separated.
Choose an out-oftown
contact for
everyone to call to
say they are safe.
36 ARE YOU READY?
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY What to do during a
hurricane threat
1. Listen to radio or television newscasts.
If a hurricane “Watch” is issued, you
typically have 24 to 36 hours before
the hurricane hits land.
2. Talk with household members. Make
sure everyone knows where to meet
and who to call, in case you are separated.
Consider the needs of relatives
and neighbors with special needs.
3. Secure your home. Close
storm shutters. Secure
outdoor objects or bring
them indoors. Moor your
boat if time permits.
4. Gather several days’ supply
of water and food for
each household member.
Water systems may
become contaminated or
damaged. Sterilize (with
diluted bleach solution
of one part bleach to ten
parts water) and fill the
bathtub to ensure a supply of safe
water in case you are unable or told
not to evacuate. Refer to the “Shelter
and Emergency Planning” and “Disaster
Supplies” chapters for important
information.
5. If you are evacuating, take your disaster
supply kit with you to the shelter.
Remember that alcoholic beverages
and weapons are prohibited within
shelters. Also, pets are not allowed in
a public shelter due to health reasons.
See the “Animals in Disaster” chapter
and contact your local humane society
for additional information.
6. Prepare to evacuate. Fuel your car—
service stations may be closed after the
storm. If you do not have a car, make
arrangements for transportation with
a friend or relative. Review evacuation
routes. If instructed, turn off utilities
at the main valves.
7. Evacuate to an inland location, if:
• Local authorities announce an evacuation
and you live in an evacuation
zone.
• You live in a mobile home or temporary
structure—they are particularly
hazardous during hurricanes
no matter how well fastened
to the ground.
• You live in a high-rise. Hurricane
winds are stronger at
higher elevations.
• You live on the coast, on
a floodplain near a river or
inland waterway.
• You feel you are in danger.
8. When authorities order an
evacuation:
• Leave immediately.
• Follow evacuation routes
announced by local officials.
• Stay away from coastal areas, riverbanks
and streams.
• Tell others where you are going.
9. If you are not required or are unable
to evacuate, stay indoors during the
hurricane and away from windows and
glass doors. Keep curtains and blinds
closed. Do not be fooled if there is a
lull, it could be the eye of the storm—
winds will pick up again.
• Turn off utilities if told to do so by
authorities.
• If not instructed to turn off, turn the
refrigerator to its coldest setting and
keep closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
Alcoholic
beverages and
weapons are
prohibited within
shelters. Also,
pets are not
allowed in public
shelters for
health reasons.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
ARE YOU READY? 37
10. In strong winds, follow these rules:
• Take refuge in a small interior room,
closet or hallway.
• Close all interior doors. Secure and
brace external doors.
• In a two-story residence, go to an
interior first-floor room, such as a
bathroom or closet.
• In a multiple-story building, go to
the first or second floors and stay in
interior rooms away from windows.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another
sturdy object.
11. Avoid using the phone
except for serious emergencies.
Local authorities
need first priority on telephone
lines.
12. See the “Evacuation” chapter
for important information.
What to do after
a hurricane
1. Stay where you are if you
are in a safe location until local authorities
say it is safe to leave. If you
evacuated the community, do not
return to the area until authorities say
it is safe to return.
2. Keep tuned to local radio or television
stations for information about caring
for your household, where to find
medical help, how to apply for financial
assistance, etc.
3. Drive only when necessary. Streets
will be filled with debris. Roads may
have weakened and could collapse.
Do not drive on flooded or barricaded
roads or bridges. Closed roads are for
your protection. As little as six inches
of water may cause you to lose control
of your vehicle—two feet of water will
carry most cars away.
4. Do not drink or prepare food with tap
water until notified by officials that it is
safe to do so.
5. Consider your family’s health and safety
needs. Be aware of symptoms of stress
and fatigue. Keep your household together
and seek crisis counseling if you
have need. See the “Mental Health and
Crisis Counseling” section of the “Recovering
from Disaster” chapter for more
information.
6. Talk with your children
about what has happened and
how they can help during the
recovery. Being involved will
help them deal with the situation.
Consider the needs of
your neighbors. People often
become isolated during hurricanes.
7. Stay away from disaster
areas unless local authorities
request volunteers. If you are
needed, bring your own drinking
water, food and sleeping gear.
8. Stay away from riverbanks and streams
until potential flooding has passed. Do
not allow children, especially under
the age of 13, to play in flooded areas.
There is a high risk of injury or drowning
in areas that may appear safe.
9. Stay away from moving water. Moving
water only six inches deep can sweep
you off your feet. Standing water may
be electrically charged from underground
or downed power lines.
10. Stay away from downed power lines
and report them to the power company.
Report broken gas, sewer or water
mains to local officials.
Consider your
household’s
health and
safety needs
and be aware
of symptoms
of stress and
fatigue. Seek
crisis counseling
if you have need.
38 ARE YOU READY?
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 11. Don't use candles or other open flames
indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect
damage.
12. Set up a manageable schedule to repair
property.
13. Contact your insurance agent. An
adjuster will be assigned to visit your
home. To prepare:
• Take photos of your belongings and
your home or videotape them.
• Separate damaged and undamaged
belongings.
• Locate your financial records.
• Keep detailed records of cleanup
costs.
14. Consider building a “Safe Room or
Shelter” to protect your household. See
the “Thunderstorms” chapter for additional
information in the “Tornadoes”
section.
15. See the “Recovering From Disaster”
chapter for more important information.

Terminix Annual Inspections/Pressure Washing

2010-05-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

Terminix will be doing their annual inspections on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 from 8am-5pm. The following units will be inspected: 3500 Bagley Drive thru 3692 Bagley Drive and 4005 Conant Road thru 4025 Conant Road. Please note that the technician will need access to each unit in order to do the inspection. Someone will need to be present at the home on day of inspection between the hours of 8am-5pm. If you are unable to be home during these times, please contact Chris Brown with Terminix at 843-856-0103 to schedule another time to do so. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
The Pressure’s On will be pressure washing all units on June 28, 2010 between the hours of 9am and 4pm. Please make sure that all items located on the front porches, back patios, and back yards are cleared away so they are not damaged from pressure washing. A notice will be put on each homeowner’s door prior to pressure washing with instructions.

2010 Earth Day Festival

2010-04-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

Charleston County Hosts 2010 Earth Day Festival on April 17

Festival will be from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Park Circle in North Charleston

Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department will host the 2010 Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 17, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Park Circle in North Charleston.

The County’s 11^th annual Earth Day Festival is a celebration of Charleston County’s environmental community. The festival provides educational opportunities highlighting Charleston County’s environmental challenges and successes.

National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive

2010-03-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive occurs every year on Mother’s Day weekend. This is the nation’s largest one-day effort to help needy families. All of the food that is collected comes to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Last year it was 100,000 pounds! It’s so easy to donate. Just leave a bag of food at, in or by your mailbox and the letter carrier will pick it up and bring it back to the local post office.

For more information visit the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive website at http://www.nalc.org/commun/foodrive/ or contact Amy Kosar at akosar@lcfbank.org or (843) 747-8146 ext. 108

2010 Census

2010-03-15T04:37:00.001-07:00

How are community associations affected by the census? Census responses are used to calculate congressional representation and the distribution of taxpayer money back to states, cities and local governments. An accurate count ensures your community receives its fair share of political representation and funding. Local governments also use census figures to plan roads, schools and other infrastructure. Businesses also use the numbers to plan commercial developments.

How can individuals help? Remind your neighbors that the census is a foundational part of our democracy. Help promote census participation by getting involved with a local Complete Count Committee. For more information, visit www.2010census.gov.

2010-02-03T06:55:00.000-08:00

Please see the below list of upcoming events in Park West for the months of February and March. These events are subject to change, so please check with Park West Master Association if you should have any questions.

February 2010

Bingo Night

February 10, 2010

6pm- 8pm

Park West Clubhouse

Valentine’s Making Party

February 11, 2010

3pm-5pm

Park West Clubhouse

March 2010

Bingo Night

March 10, 2010

6pm-8pm

Park West Clubhouse

Pre-St. Patty’s Day Party

March 16, 2010

3pm-5pm

PW Clubhouse

Food Drive for Animals

March 27, 2010

10am-12pm

Park West Clubhouse

Friendly Reminders

2010-01-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

Please remember that your Association Assessments are due on the 1^st of the month and considered late by the 10^th of the month. If you have chosen the online payment option through our website @ www.cmgcharleston.com and have registered for a password, please be sure to check your spam (junkmail) folder for a response if you do not receive a response within 24 hours of registering. A response is computer generated within 24 hours. You can also choose the “forgot password” option using your registration email address. Please contact our office if you need further assistance.

Please remember to pick up after your pets. Keep your pets leashed and make sure to pick up after them while walking them through the community. The Association has provided doggie pot stations for your convenience. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

2010-01-06T07:57:00.000-08:00

As if the cold didn't give you enough things to worry about…

Charleston neighborhood residents, complex managers, residents and merchants,

With the long cold-snap we are predicted to have the next week or two, and through the winter, many people will feel a need to "warm-up" their car in the mornings. Some do it to make it more comfortable for children or themselves; some to get the ice off the windshield; some just to make the car run right.

We highly recommend against leaving a vehicle running and unattended, as this opens an opportunity for the car to be stolen, even in a "safe" neighborhood. On city streets it is unlawful to do it for more than a few minutes, just for this reason.

Who steals cars this way? Consider the middle school kids at the corner tired of waiting in the cold for their bus, or the worker who can't be late again to the jobsite, or the teen runaway looking for a way out, or any other number of scenarios, not to mention professional car thieves.

If you still decide to pre-heat your vehicle (again, we discourage this), please remember that you need to also take steps to keep it from being stolen.

Lock the doors, keep visual observation

Use a CLUB or similar steering-wheel lock (separate the keys)

Block the vehicle in with another car.

Maybe now is the time to clean out that garage and keep the car inside…

People also often feel a need to leave the car running to keep the heater on when they're "just running in for a second". These include school and day-care drop-offs, delivering or picking up take-out food or dry-cleaning, convenience store stops, etc. Cars are stolen this way constantly, occasionally with small children left inside.

Please TURN the CAR OFF, Lock It, and Take the Keys (AND your purse, ladies). The couple of minutes you turn the car off will not make the car significantly colder. You'll save yourself the misery of waiting in the cold to file the stolen car report and everything else associated with having your car stolen.

Thank you.

Sgt. Shelor

Charleston Police Crime Prevention

769-7407